Explore Space Systems Engineer opportunities with organizations developing spacecraft, satellites, launch vehicles, and other mission-critical technologies. These roles bring together engineering disciplines to define, integrate, test, and operate complex systems for commercial, civil, and national security missions. Ladders features vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, helping experienced engineers find opportunities aligned with their skills and career goals.
Space Systems Engineers guide a mission or product from early requirements through design, integration, verification, and operations. They translate mission objectives into technical requirements, coordinate interfaces across hardware and software teams, evaluate system-level risks, and help ensure that components work together reliably in demanding environments.
Responsibilities vary by employer and program, but may include requirements management, architecture development, trade studies, interface control, modeling and simulation, integration and test planning, verification, and technical coordination. Related specialties include spacecraft systems, satellite communications, avionics, guidance, navigation and control, payloads, launch systems, ground systems, and mission operations.
Employers commonly seek a degree in aerospace, electrical, mechanical, systems, or a related engineering field, along with experience on complex technical programs. Useful skills include systems engineering methods, requirements and configuration management, risk analysis, technical documentation, and cross-functional communication. Depending on the role, familiarity with standards, modeling tools, hardware and software integration, or security clearance requirements may also be important.
Compensation depends on experience, location, employer, mission area, and the scope of the role. Senior and specialized positions can offer strong earning potential, particularly for engineers with a record of delivering complex programs. Browse Ladders for vetted Space Systems Engineer jobs paying $100,000 or more, and compare roles by responsibilities, qualifications, and career opportunity.
Whether your background is in spacecraft design, satellite programs, launch vehicles, or mission integration, Ladders can help you discover high-paying professional opportunities. Review current openings and find a role where your systems expertise can contribute to the next generation of space missions.
$120K - $160K *
Elevate systems engineering excellence by leading critical activities for a high-priority defense program. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions that meet stringent...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead critical systems engineering efforts for a high-priority nuclear modernization program, ensuring innovative solutions meet mission requirements while adhering to schedule and cost constraints. Co...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $140K *
Innovate with us to drive the development of advanced systems engineering solutions. Collaborate in a dynamic team to design, prototype, and transition cutting-edge technologies in undersea defense an...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Advance your career by collaborating with a dynamic team to design, document, and test innovative systems for undersea defense and automated test equipment, ensuring successful prototype development a...
2 weeks ago
Mission Operations Engineer II
$130K - $170K *
Join a dynamic team to design and execute satellite operations, collaborating with engineers to develop procedures and tools. Tackle challenges in a fast-paced environment while ensuring reliable miss...
3 weeks ago
Principal Systems Engineer - Responsible Systems Engineer Onsite
$107K - $204K *
Lead the charge in developing system-level solutions for missile defense, guiding cross-functional teams in architecture and requirements. Utilize Model-Based Systems Engineering to analyze and enhanc...
Today
Aeronautical Engineer Sr - Stress
$85K - $158K *
Engineer your future by leading structural analysis for advanced aircraft designs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure safety and performance, while driving innovation in aerospace engin...
Yesterday
$160K - $200K *
Lead the technical direction for complex Naval aviation systems, ensuring Fleet readiness and safety. Drive architecture, requirements, and integration while mentoring engineers and collaborating with...
1 week ago
Sentinel Systems Engineering Manager 2-19941
$161K - $241K *
Transform your career by leading a dynamic Systems Engineering team, overseeing technical performance and organizational support for critical defense programs. Drive innovation while fostering employe...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Systems Engineer-WP-AFB
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team as a Senior Anti-Tamper Engineer, applying systems engineering expertise to enhance DoD weapon systems. Collaborate with government and industry partners to develop innovative anti...
3 days ago
Principal Propulsion Engineer - 3
$98K - $147K *
Shape the future of propellant technology by driving process development and manufacturing excellence. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve complex challenges and enhance safety and qualit...
1 week ago
$162K - $243K *
Lead end-to-end systems engineering integration to tackle complex transport challenges across multiple defense programs, advising senior military leaders and unifying mission threads through holistic...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to enhance GEOINT capabilities through systems engineering, collaborating with government and contractors to drive mission success and optimize processes across the acquisition lif...
1 week ago
Senior Avionics Hardware Engineer - Lunar Permanence
$156K - $219K *
Join a team that's pioneering the future of space exploration by leading the development of advanced avionics systems for lunar vehicles. You'll drive technical innovation and ensure the success of cr...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive innovative solutions as a Senior Systems Engineer II, overseeing the lifecycle of advanced space payloads. Collaborate across teams to define system architecture, manage requirements, and ensure...
2 weeks ago
Systems Engineer, Principal - TS/SCI w/Poly
$134K - $241K *
Join a team that's redefining systems engineering excellence by tackling complex challenges in server hardware and software integration. Collaborate with experts to ensure secure, reliable systems tha...
5 days ago
$84K - $110K *
Lead the charge in optimizing aerospace manufacturing processes, enhancing quality through effective collaboration, technical guidance, and data-driven improvements, ensuring regulatory compliance and...
Reposted yesterday
Principal Systems Engineer (TechSIGINT)
$145K - $175K *
Explore a pivotal role in systems engineering, supporting TechSIGINT initiatives. Collaborate with stakeholders to integrate capabilities, manage risks, and ensure compliance while driving modernizati...
3 weeks ago
$143K - $218K *
Empower innovation by developing and enhancing trajectory simulation tools, ensuring safety and performance in flight dynamics. Collaborate across engineering disciplines to support suborbital vehicle...
3 days ago
Sr Engineer (Systems Engineer)
$90K - $122K *
Innovate your career by leading complex systems engineering projects, integrating advanced technologies for military platforms. Collaborate across disciplines to enhance product lifecycle activities a...
4 weeks ago
Sr Principal Cyber Systems Engineer
$156K - $234K *
Lead the charge in managing SIPRNet Lab operations, ensuring compliance and security while supporting program managers. Collaborate across teams to maintain accreditation and optimize budget managemen...
2 weeks ago
Senior Engineering Specialist - Digital and Systems Engineer
$151K - $226K *
Engineer innovative Digital and Systems Engineering solutions, leading complex MBSE and DE projects. Collaborate across disciplines to enhance space and defense systems, ensuring best practices and li...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Drive the design, integration, and deployment of complex systems, leading technical projects from requirements to field support. Collaborate across teams to ensure effective solutions that enhance urb...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Sr. Systems Engineer - Command & Control (C2) Satellite System
$183K - $261K *
Unlock potential by leading satellite command and control systems' architecture and integration. Guide technical direction, mentor engineers, and interface with partners on high-impact challenges in a...
4 weeks ago
Distinguished System Requirements Engineer
$100K - $275K *
Unlock innovative solutions by defining and verifying system requirements, driving multidisciplinary teams, and enhancing operational efficiency within a model-based systems engineering framework...
Reposted 1 week ago
What is a Space Systems Engineer?
A Space Systems Engineer coordinates the technical elements of a space mission or product, translating mission goals into requirements and helping teams design, integrate, verify, and operate systems such as spacecraft, satellites, launch vehicles, and ground systems.
What qualifications do Space Systems Engineer jobs typically require?
Many roles require a bachelor's degree in aerospace, systems, electrical, mechanical, or a related engineering discipline, plus relevant experience with complex systems. Some positions may prefer an advanced degree or require specialized technical experience or a security clearance.
What skills are important for Space Systems Engineers?
Commonly valued skills include requirements development, system architecture, interface management, risk analysis, integration and verification, modeling and simulation, technical writing, and the ability to coordinate across engineering disciplines.
How much do Space Systems Engineers earn?
Pay varies with experience, location, employer, specialty, and program responsibility. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, including qualifying Space Systems Engineer opportunities.
Where can Space Systems Engineers work?
They may work for aerospace and defense contractors, commercial space companies, satellite and communications providers, government agencies, research organizations, or companies building launch, spacecraft, payload, and ground systems.